The goal for each liturgy in the Catholic Church is full and active participation. With this in mind, music plays an integral part of worship in our Church. Many parishioners generously volunteer to share their musical gifts to create and sustain this rich ministry and tradition in our parish community. Take a look below to browse all of the amazing opportunities that are available in music ministry!
Cantors
Cantors have a role that is of singular importance in the life of the parish family. The role encompasses many areas, including ritual, musical, pastoral, and theological. At St. Mary OTIC, we split the role of the Cantor into two specific roles: the Psalmist and the Song Leader. The Psalmist is responsible for proclaiming the sung Psalm from the Ambo during the Liturgy of the Word. The Song Leader leads the rest of the music from the cantor stand. People who sing well and feel called to lead the community in sung prayer are always needed. Both roles within the Cantor umbrella require preparation, prayer, and practice.
Training: Training is required for this position and is available on an individual basis. If you would like to be trained as a Cantor, please contact the Director of Liturgical Music Sam Clemmons at 608-742-6998 ext. 227 or email sclemmons@stmaryotic.org.
Scheduling: Schedules are created on a monthly basis. The schedules are available for the following month on the first Friday of the month that precedes it.
Cantors have a role that is of singular importance in the life of the parish family. The role encompasses many areas, including ritual, musical, pastoral, and theological. At St. Mary OTIC, we split the role of the Cantor into two specific roles: the Psalmist and the Song Leader. The Psalmist is responsible for proclaiming the sung Psalm from the Ambo during the Liturgy of the Word. The Song Leader leads the rest of the music from the cantor stand. People who sing well and feel called to lead the community in sung prayer are always needed. Both roles within the Cantor umbrella require preparation, prayer, and practice.
Training: Training is required for this position and is available on an individual basis. If you would like to be trained as a Cantor, please contact the Director of Liturgical Music Sam Clemmons at 608-742-6998 ext. 227 or email sclemmons@stmaryotic.org.
Scheduling: Schedules are created on a monthly basis. The schedules are available for the following month on the first Friday of the month that precedes it.
Keyboardists
Keyboardists share their gift of music by accompanying all weekend Masses, special liturgies, and many prayer services throughout the year. By using the keyboard or organ to help lead us in song as we celebrate together, and with the use of contemplative and praiseful instrumental pieces before and/or after Mass, Keyboardists assist us in preparing our hearts for worship. Parish accompanists commit a great deal of time, not only in playing for liturgies, but also in practice so they are able to lead better.
Training: Training is required for this position and is available on an individual basis. If you would like to be trained as a Keyboardist, please contact the Director of Liturgical Music Sam Clemmons at 608-742-6998 ext. 227 or email sclemmons@stmaryotic.org.
Scheduling: Schedules are created on a monthly basis. The schedules are available for the following month on the first Friday of the month that precedes it.
Keyboardists share their gift of music by accompanying all weekend Masses, special liturgies, and many prayer services throughout the year. By using the keyboard or organ to help lead us in song as we celebrate together, and with the use of contemplative and praiseful instrumental pieces before and/or after Mass, Keyboardists assist us in preparing our hearts for worship. Parish accompanists commit a great deal of time, not only in playing for liturgies, but also in practice so they are able to lead better.
Training: Training is required for this position and is available on an individual basis. If you would like to be trained as a Keyboardist, please contact the Director of Liturgical Music Sam Clemmons at 608-742-6998 ext. 227 or email sclemmons@stmaryotic.org.
Scheduling: Schedules are created on a monthly basis. The schedules are available for the following month on the first Friday of the month that precedes it.
Choirs
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception is home to a bustling choral scene. With four different choral opportunities, there is surely an ensemble here that fits your style. Read below about our many ensemble opportunties!
St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception is home to a bustling choral scene. With four different choral opportunities, there is surely an ensemble here that fits your style. Read below about our many ensemble opportunties!
- The Immaculate Conception Choir was founded in 2015 and sings at 2 Masses every month between September and June. The choir is made up of 20 people and welcomes musicians from all ability backgrounds. The choir meets on Tuesday nights for a brief period to rehearse music for the weekend Masses. The musical selections range in variety from classical hymns to contemporary Christian rock and are aimed at connecting to the congregation and creating a meaningful worship experience. If you are interested in joining, please contact the Director of Liturgical Music Sam Clemmons at 608-742-6998 ext. 227 or email sclemmons@stmaryotic.org.
- Millennium Choir began in 2001 and is made up of keyboard, guitar, percussion, flute, and voices. They use both traditional and contemporary music to “move” the congregation to sing along. Millennium Choir usually sings 1-2 times per month and practices an hour before the scheduled Mass in the church. They are always looking for new members! If you are interested in joining Millennium Choir, or if you would like more information, please contact Sara Shaver at 608-697-3411.
- The Resurrection Choir, which consists of a dedicated group of parishioners, volunteer their time to sing at funeral Masses. There is no requirement for musical training, just a love of singing and a desire to offer comfort and support to those who are grieving. The choir practice 6 times a year on the second Tuesday of each month (September, October, November & March, April, May) at 10:30am in the church. Members are notified by phone or email when a funeral is scheduled and make every effort to attend each funeral. However, there is no requirement that members be present at every funeral. New m-mbers are always welcome. If you are interested in joining, please contact the Director of Liturgical Music Sam Clemmons at 608-742-6998 ext. 227 or email sclemmons@stmaryotic.org.
- Joyful Choir sings on the 2nd weekend of each month at the 11:00 Mass from October-May, as well as some special services including the 4:00 Mass on Christmas Eve. This youth choir is open to all students in 4th-12th grades. Additional rehearsals are scheduled leading up to Christmas Eve Mass. There is no requirement for musical training to join and new members are always welcome! If you are interested in joining, please contact the Director of Liturgical Music Sam Clemmons at 608-742-6998 ext. 227 or email sclemmons@stmaryotic.org.
Additional Instrumentalists
A few times throughout the year, we need extra instrumentalists to assist the choirs or Cantors and Keyboardists in bringing our liturgy to life. If you play an instrument and would like more information on how to get involved in music ministry, please contact the Director of Liturgical Music Sam Clemmons at 608-742-6998 ext. 227 or email sclemmons@stmaryotic.org.
A few times throughout the year, we need extra instrumentalists to assist the choirs or Cantors and Keyboardists in bringing our liturgy to life. If you play an instrument and would like more information on how to get involved in music ministry, please contact the Director of Liturgical Music Sam Clemmons at 608-742-6998 ext. 227 or email sclemmons@stmaryotic.org.
